Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images.
The blog is back! After a few weeks off, we’re back with a bang. Or, after the weather in the latter half of this week, back with a splash might be more appropriate. But we are a wetland reserve so a little water doesn’t do much to dampen our spirits…even if the Visitor Centre roof let some of the water in.
Read on for more!
News from the Estate:
It's been a bit damp this week. Image Credit: Rahul Thanki, RSPB Images.
We all know that the Estates Team amazing. This week, they have been a-maze-ing. If you didn’t guess from the highly witty play on words, the team spent Tuesday weaving willow whips together, contributing to the rapidly re-forming willow maze next to the playground. We’re trying to get as many willow whips as possible tied down before the onset of winter (which, judging by this week, isn’t far awar) to prevent knots and walls un-knotting themselves with the help of driving wind and rain. We have been reliably informed by the Estates Team that the willow maze is now maze-like enough to get lost in. So that’s a good sign…isn’t it?
Once the team found their way out of the maze, they were hit by all kinds of weather on Thursday. It has been one of those weeks where the weather has been unable to decide what it wants to do, so it’s done everything. Thursday was the day allotted to ‘day-long deluge’. Understandably, the team decided it was the kind of day to clean the inside of the hides. It just shows that the wonderful Estates Team are always busy making the reserve better, even when the weather has other ideas!
What’s On:
Autumn colours are amazing inspiration for artwork! Image Credit: Sam Turley, RSPB Images
We are now, shockingly, most of the way through September. If you’re sitting there thinking they don’t make months like they used to, you’re not the only one. As the Visitor Experience Team sat down with a cup of tea to have a breather after the summer holidays, suddenly October Half-term is knocking on the window. But don’t worry, we have a plan! Here it is:
In the run-up to October half-term, we giving you the chance to slow down and take in the beauty of nature’s shapes and colours with our Mindfulness Art Session on 16 October. We can’t guarantee the colours will include sunshine colours, but even the gentle sound of rain on the roof can be quite relaxing. So, whatever the weather, come along and create something incredible! You don’t have to be an artist- this session is open to all and is run by our resident art experts, who will give you all the guidance you need to produce something personal and special. Who knows, you could even create a personalised Christmas present for someone…book your tickets using the link above!
Speaking of October Half-term, we will be running plenty of events during this week (26 October-3 November). This will include an activity trail, our brand new Nature Quest packs and indoor games for if the weather is…inclement. So, whatever the weather, visit us during the school holidays for lots of affordable family fun!
Recent Sightings:
One of the many good things about autumn rapidly approaching is that Kingfishers have returned to Saltholme! They have been seen from the Discovery Zone, Phil Stead Hide and most noticeably from our Main Lake this week. On the Main Lake, the Kingfisher likes to use the artificial Sand Martin nesting bank as a perch. As a result, visitors, staff and volunteers have been treated to incredible views of a Kingfisher fishing!
If that wasn’t enough excitement for you, the Bittern continues to be the star of the Haverton Viewpoint. This week, it has even been seen flying! For a bird that is known for skulking through reedbeds, in-flight views are usually few and far between so this is something very special.
Speaking of skulking through reedbeds, another- usually antisocial- species has been seen regularly this week. That is the Water Rail. Known for looking slightly like a Moorhen, acting slightly like a Bittern and sounding slightly like a pig, the Water Rail is nonetheless an incredible species in its own right. Fortunately it knows this so has been strutting its stuff in front of the Wildlife Watchpoint, allowing visitors to admire it.
Image Credit: Andy Hay, RSPB Images.
We shall finish by mentioning the wonderful Greenshank- a beautiful wading bird that is a sign of approaching autumn. The wading birds are definitely returning to Saltholme in preparation for the colder months. As well as the Greenshank, we have been overrun with Snipe and Redshank. We’re very glad to have so many of these birds, as it shows our reserve is a fantastic feeding ground for these species. Keep your eyes peeled for these waders and more on your next visit.
Well, that’s all we have time for today. Thank you for taking the time to unearth everything that has happened at Saltholme this week. Want to unearth some more? Visiting us is a great way to dive headfirst (not literally please) into the wonderful world of wildlife and its conservation. We hope to see you soon!
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Bittern [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bittern [last accessed 27/09/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Greenshank [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/greenshank [last accessed 27/09/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Kingfisher [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/kingfisher [last accessed 27/09/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Moorhen [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/moorhen [last accessed 27/09/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Redshank [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/redshank [last accessed 27/09/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Sand Martin [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/sand-martin [last accessed 27/09/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Snipe [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/snipe [last accessed 27/09/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Water Rail [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/water-rail [last accessed 27/09/2024].